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Microbial Pathogenesis Mar 2021Blastocystis is one of the most common pathogens of the human intestine, caused by an emerging parasite, which can lead to severe symptoms and even death in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Blastocystis is one of the most common pathogens of the human intestine, caused by an emerging parasite, which can lead to severe symptoms and even death in immunocompromised patients. We aimed to determine the global prevalence of Blastocystosis infection in people with immunodeficiency. A systematic literature search was conducted on Web of Science, Scopus, Google scholar, Science Direct and MEDLINE databases to select all observational studies reporting the prevalence of Blastocystosis infection in Worldwide, based on different diagnostic methods in immunocompromised patients of any age and published from inception to February 2019. Pooled estimates and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using random effects models and in addition, the I statistic was calculated. The geographic distribution of studies was evaluated and the diagnosis of Blastocystis was compared by various techniques. Electronic databases were reviewed for Blastocystosis infection in HIV/AIDS, cancer and other immunocompromised patients, and meta-analyses were conducted to calculate the overall estimated prevalence. Total68 eligible studies were included. The estimated pooled prevalence rate of Blastocystosis infection in immunocompromised patients was overall 10% (95% CI, 7-13%; I 96.04%) (P < 0.001), of whom 21% [18-25] were in Australia, 12% [4-24] in America, 11% [6-17] in Europe and 10% [5-15], 7% [3-13] in Asia and Africa, respectively. It was calculated that the estimated pooled prevalence rate of Blastocystosis infection in immunocompromised patients was overall 10% and the prevalence estimates ranged from 0.44 to 72.39. Also, overall the prevalence of parasites co-infection in immunocompromised patients was detected as 0.024%. Our finding showed that immunocompromised people show a high prevalence of Blastocystosis infection compared to the control population. Adequate information on the prevalence rate is still missing from many countries. However, current information underscore that Blastocystis should not be neglected.
Topics: Africa; Animals; Asia; Australia; Blastocystis; Europe; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Parasites; Prevalence
PubMed: 33246090
DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104615 -
Genotyping determination of Acanthamoeba strains: an original study and a systematic review in Iran.Journal of Water and Health Oct 2019This study aimed to detect the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in different water resources of Zahedan, southeast of Iran, and also systematically reviewed all...
This study aimed to detect the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in different water resources of Zahedan, southeast of Iran, and also systematically reviewed all publications regarding Acanthamoeba in Iran (2005-2018). Fifty water samples were collected from different water resources in Zahedan. The positive samples were identified morphologically and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using fragments of 18S rRNA. In the systematic review, data collection using particular terms was carried out using the following electronic databases including Science Direct, ISI Web of Science, MEDLINE, EBSCO, Scopus, and Google Scholar. A total of 17 (34%) samples were positive for Acanthamoeba spp., and nucleotide sequencing indicated that 15 samples (88.23%) belonged to the T4 genotype and the rest belonged to the T5 genotype. A total of 39 studies reported genotyping of Acanthamoeba spp. from various geographical areas of Iran and revealed that T4 (35 studies), T5 (19 studies), T3 (11 studies), T11 (8 studies), and T2 (6 studies) genotypes were the most prevalent in Iran. The T4 genotype of Acanthamoeba is a prevalent free-living amoeba and widely distributed not only in Zahedan but also in other provinces of Iran. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that A. castellanii and A. griffini predominantly colocalize with the T4 genotype.
Topics: Acanthamoeba; Environmental Monitoring; Fresh Water; Genotype; Iran; Phylogeny; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S; Water Supply
PubMed: 31638023
DOI: 10.2166/wh.2019.048 -
Parasitology Research Aug 2021Acanthamoeba spp. have always caused disease in immunosuppressed patients, but since 1986, they have become a worldwide public health issue by causing infection in... (Review)
Review
Acanthamoeba spp. have always caused disease in immunosuppressed patients, but since 1986, they have become a worldwide public health issue by causing infection in healthy contact lens wearers. Amoebae of the Acanthamoeba genus are broadly distributed in nature, living either freely or as parasites, and are frequently associated with biofilms throughout the environment. These biofilms provide the parasite with protection against external aggression, thus favoring its increased pathogeny. This review aims to assess observational studies on the association between Acanthamoeba spp. and biofilms, opening potential lines of research on this severe ocular infection. A systematic literature search was conducted in May 2020 in the following databases: PubMed Central/Medline, LILACS, The Cochrane Library, and EMBASE. The studies were selected following the inclusion and exclusion criteria specifically defined for this review. Electronic research recovered 353 publications in the literature. However, none of the studies met the inclusion criterion of biofilm-producing Acanthamoeba spp., inferring that the parasite does not produce biofilms. Nonetheless, 78 studies were classified as potentially included regarding any association of Acanthamoeba spp. and biofilms. These studies were allocated across six different locations (hospital, aquatic, ophthalmic and dental environments, biofilms produced by bacteria, and other places). Acanthamoeba species use biofilms produced by other microorganisms for their benefit, in addition to them providing protection to and facilitating the dissemination of pathogens residing in them.
Topics: Acanthamoeba; Bacteria; Biofilms; Contact Lenses; Hospitals; Humans; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 34292376
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07240-6 -
Infectious Disorders Drug Targets 2020Recently, herbal medicine has received much attention in the literature. Several essential oils or plant extracts have been found to have anti-Acanthamoeba properties...
BACKGROUND
Recently, herbal medicine has received much attention in the literature. Several essential oils or plant extracts have been found to have anti-Acanthamoeba properties against trophozoites and cysts of Acanthamoeba spp.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic review is to introduce anti-Acanthamoeba properties of some essential oils or plant extracts; perhaps the results of this research will be used to prevent and treat infectious diseases.
METHODS
All published papers in English and Persian databases were systematically searched for some specific keywords to find articles that have influenced plant compounds on Acanthamoeba up to April 2018. Articles related to the subject were selected and studied.
RESULTS
A total of 51 articles including 136 experiments (128 in vitro and 8 in vivo) between 1999 and 2018, met our eligibility criteria. Totally, 110 species of plants belonging to 34 families, mainly Lamiaceae (15 plant species) and Asteraceae (13 plant species) were studied against trophozoites and cysts of Acanthamoba in in vitro and in vivo. Most of the plant's species were Citrus (6 species), Allium (5 species), Peucedanum, Piper, Lippia, and Olive (4 species). The most frequently used parts were leaves, aerial parts, flowers, bark, rhizomes, and seeds.
CONCLUSIONS
Recent studies have shown that many natural compounds have high anti-parasitic properties and low toxicity. Our research team hopes that the information provided in present systematic review can improve new experimental and clinical trials and herbal combination therapy. Further studies are needed to understand the molecular mechanisms in the anti-amoebic reactions of plant species and ocular toxicity of extracts in animal models.
Topics: Acanthamoeba; Amebiasis; Animals; Humans; Oils, Volatile; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Plant Oils; Plants, Medicinal; Trophozoites
PubMed: 31322072
DOI: 10.2174/1871526519666190716095849 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Sep 2021Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) is rarely identified as a cause of amebic pericarditis. We report a case of amebic pericarditis complicated by cardiac tamponade,...
BACKGROUND
Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) is rarely identified as a cause of amebic pericarditis. We report a case of amebic pericarditis complicated by cardiac tamponade, in which the diagnosis was missed initially and was made retrospectively by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of a stored sample of pericardial fluid. Furthermore, we performed a systematic review of the literature on amebic pericarditis.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 71-year-old Japanese man who had a history of sexual intercourse with several commercial sex workers 4 months previously, presented to our hospital with left chest pain and cough. He was admitted on suspicion of pericarditis. On hospital day 7, he developed cardiac tamponade requiring urgent pericardiocentesis. The patient's symptoms temporarily improved, but 1 month later, he returned with fever and abdominal pain, and multiple liver lesions were found in the right lobe. Polymerase chain reaction of the aspiration fluid of the liver lesion and pericardial and pleural fluid stored from the previous hospitalization were all positive for E. histolytica. Together with the positive serum antibody for E. histolytica, a diagnosis of amebic pericarditis was made. Notably, the diagnosis was missed initially and was made retrospectively by performing PCR testing. The patient improved with metronidazole 750 mg thrice daily for 14 days, followed by paromomycin 500 mg thrice daily for 10 days.
CONCLUSIONS
This case suggests that, although only 122 cases of amebic pericarditis have been reported, clinicians should be aware of E. histolytica as a potential causative pathogen. The polymerase chain reaction method was used to detect E. histolytica in the pericardial effusion and was found to be useful for the diagnosis of amebic pericarditis in addition to the positive results for the serum antibody testing for E. histolytica. Because of the high mortality associated with delayed treatment, prompt diagnosis should be made.
Topics: Aged; Amebiasis; Entamoeba histolytica; Humans; Male; Pericardial Effusion; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 34530739
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06590-x -
Global prevalence of free-living amoebae in solid matrices - A systematic review with meta-analysis.Acta Tropica Nov 2023The ubiquitous free-living amoebae (FLA) are microorganisms of significant medical, sanitary, and ecological importance. However, their characterization within solid... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The ubiquitous free-living amoebae (FLA) are microorganisms of significant medical, sanitary, and ecological importance. However, their characterization within solid matrices such as soil, dust, sediment, mud, sludge, and compost remain to be systematized. In this study, we conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis to explore the global distribution of FLA in solid matrices. From the analysis of 104 out of 4,414 scientific articles retrieved from different databases, it was found that the general global prevalence of FLA in solid matrices was of 55.13% (95% confidence interval (CI) 49.32-60.94). Specifically, FLA prevalence was high in soil (72.40%, 95% CI 69.08-75.73), sediment (57.91%, 95% CI 50.01-65.81), mud (52.90%, 95% CI 24.01-81.78), dust (48.60%, 95% CI 43.00-54.19), and sewage sludge (40.19%, 95% CI 30.68-49.70). In aerosols it was comparatively lower (17.21%, 95% CI 12.76-21.66). Acanthamoeba spp. (52.23%) and Hartmanella/Vermamoeba spp. (36.06%) were found to be more prevalent, whereas Naegleria spp. (34.98%) and Balamuthia spp. (27.32%) were less prevalent. The distribution of the highest global prevalence values for species of Acanthamoeba spp., considering different publication periods of the studies, is as follows: A. hatchetti (51.46%), A. rhysodes (47.49%), A. polyphaga (36.37%), A. culbertsoni (34.31%), A. castellanii (34.21%), and A. lenticulata (32.82%). For other FLA species, the distribution is: Hartmannella/Vermamoeba vermiformis (91.57%), Naegleria fowleri (42.32%), Naegleria gruberi (32.39%), and Balamuthia mandrillaris (25%). The most prevalent Acanthamoeba genotypes were T4 (33.38%) and T3 (23.94%). Overall, the global prevalence of FLA in solid matrices is as high as or greater than that reported in water by previous systematic reviews. Thus, actions aimed at reducing exposure to FLA or exploring their ecological dynamics should consider not only water but also the various solid matrices. The finding outlined here can provide valuable insights for such actions, e.g., informing on the level of exposure to FLA, or on the microbial biodiversity of specific environmental compartments.
Topics: Animals; Amoeba; Prevalence; Sewage; Acanthamoeba; Coleoptera; Dust; Soil; Water
PubMed: 37633571
DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107006 -
European Journal of Clinical... Jun 2020Blastocystis is one of the most common intestinal protozoan parasites worldwide, which is linked to cutaneous lesions and urticaria. In a setting of systematic review,...
Blastocystis is one of the most common intestinal protozoan parasites worldwide, which is linked to cutaneous lesions and urticaria. In a setting of systematic review, the data on the association of Blastocystis infection with cutaneous lesions were searched in order to summarize the main clinical symptoms, diagnostic methods, treatment, and outcome of the patients. The search identified 28 eligible articles, including 12 cross-sectional studies and 16 case reports/case series (including 23 cases). A diverse spectrum of skin symptoms, mainly urticaria, rash, and itching, was reported from the studies. Of the 23 infected cases with the skin symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms were reported from the 16 cases, whereas 7 cases with urticaria had asymptomatic infection. The most frequent subtypes were ST1, ST2, and ST3, respectively. Metronidazole, paromomycin, and tinidazole were the most prescribed drugs in patients with single Blastocystis infection. Notably, urticaria and other cutaneous symptoms of all treated patients were resolved after treatment. In conclusion, this study indicates that Blastocystis infection can be a neglected cause of urticaria and skin disorders. Since the treatment of Blastocystis infection is simple, screening and treatment of this infection should be considered in patients with urticaria and other skin disorders.
Topics: Antiprotozoal Agents; Asymptomatic Infections; Blastocystis; Blastocystis Infections; Genetic Variation; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Skin Diseases; Treatment Outcome; Urticaria
PubMed: 31873864
DOI: 10.1007/s10096-019-03793-8 -
Parasitology Research Mar 2024Free-living amoebae (FLA) include amphizoic microorganisms important in public health, widely isolated from air, water, and soil. However, its occurrence in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Free-living amoebae (FLA) include amphizoic microorganisms important in public health, widely isolated from air, water, and soil. However, its occurrence in sewage-related environments still needs to be systematically documented. This study summarizes the occurrence of FLA in sewage-related environments through a systematic review with meta-analysis. A total of 1983 scientific article were retrieved from different databases, of which 35 were selected and analyzed using a random effects forest plot model with a 95% confidence interval (IC). The pooled overall prevalence of FLA in sewage across 12 countries was 68.96% (95% IC = 58.5-79.42). Subgroup analysis indicates high prevalence in all environments analyzed, including sewage water from the sewage treatment plant (81.19%), treated sewage water (75.57%), sewage-contaminated water (67.70%), sediment contaminated by sewage (48.91%), and sewage water (47.84%). Prevalence values of Acanthamoeba spp., Hartmanella/Vermamoeba spp., and Naegleria spp. are 47.48%, 28.24%, and 16.69%, respectively. Analyzing the species level, the distribution is as follows: Acanthamoeba palestinensis (88%), A. castellanii (23.74%), A. astronyxis (19.18%), A. polyphaga (13.59%), A. culbertsoni (12.5%), A. stevensoni (8.33%), A. tubiashi (4.35%) and A. hatchetti (1.1%), Naegleria fowleri (28.4%), N. gruberi (25%), N. clarki (8.33%), N. australiensis (4.89%) and N. italica (4.29%), Hartmannella/Vermamoeba exundans (40%) and H.V. vermiform (32.61%). Overall, our findings indicate a high risk associated with sewage-related environments, as the prevalence of FLA, including pathogenic strains, is high, even in treated sewage water. The findings of this study may be valuable both for risk remediation actions against amoebic infections and for future research endeavors.
Topics: Acanthamoeba; Amoeba; Hartmannella; Prevalence; Sewage; Water
PubMed: 38433138
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08164-7 -
Parasite (Paris, France) 2019Blastocystis sp., a unicellular intestinal parasite in humans and animals worldwide, is frequently found in immunocompromized patients and people in close contact with...
Blastocystis sp., a unicellular intestinal parasite in humans and animals worldwide, is frequently found in immunocompromized patients and people in close contact with animals. Here, we reviewed recent studies on the prevalence, subtypes, and distribution of Blastocystis infection in humans and animals in China. To date, more than 12 provinces have reported Blastocystis infection in humans, with identification of six different subtypes (ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST5, and ST6). The overall infection rate reported was 3.37% (3625/107,695), with the lowest prevalence (0.80%) in Fujian province and the highest prevalence (100%) in Guangdong province. ST3 (62%, 186/300) was the most dominant subtype, identified in all tested provinces in China. A total of eight provinces have reported Blastocystis infection in various animals, with the overall prevalence being 24.66% (1202/4874). Molecular analysis revealed 14 subtypes that infected animals, including 10 known (ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST5, ST6, ST7, ST10, ST13, ST14), and 4 novel (Novel1, Novel2, Novel3, Novel4) subtypes. ST5 was the dominant subtype infecting artiodactyls (44.1%, 460/1044), while ST1 commonly infected carnivores (45.5%, 5/11). These findings provide insights into the epidemiological behavior of Blastocystis sp. in China, and could help in developing effective control strategies against the parasite.
Topics: Animals; Blastocystis; Blastocystis Infections; China; DNA, Protozoan; DNA, Ribosomal; Feces; Genetic Variation; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Phylogeny; Prevalence
PubMed: 31309925
DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2019042 -
Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy Nov 2021: encompasses several species of free-living ameba encountered commonly throughout the environment. Unfortunately, these species of ameba can cause opportunistic...
: encompasses several species of free-living ameba encountered commonly throughout the environment. Unfortunately, these species of ameba can cause opportunistic infections that result in keratitis, granulomatous amebic encephalitis, and occasionally systemic infection.: This review discusses relevant literature found through PubMed and Google scholar published as of January 2021. The review summarizes current common keratitis treatments, drug discovery methodologies available for screening potential anti- compounds, and the anti- activity of various azole antifungal agents.: While several biguanide and diamidine antimicrobial agents are available to clinicians to effectively treat keratitis, no singular treatment can effectively treat every keratitis case.Efforts to identify new anti-Acanthamoeba agents include trophozoite cell viability assays, which are amenable to high-throughput screening. Cysticidal assays remain largely manual and would benefit from further automation development. Additionally, the existing literature on the effectiveness of various azole antifungal agents for treating keratitis is incomplete or contradictory, suggesting the need for a systematic review of all azoles against different pathogenic strains.
Topics: Acanthamoeba; Acanthamoeba Keratitis; Amebicides; Azoles; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Humans
PubMed: 33929276
DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2021.1924673